The Arizona League (AZL) kicked off its season today, meaning the A’s now have all 6 of their North American farm teams up and running, plus a team in the Dominican Summer League… I need to go on a two week fire assignment just to recover from the effort of covering so much ground! Now seems as good a time as any to get everyone up to speed on where the affiliates reside in the rankings, plus note who are making the key contributions towards the victory efforts.
(In the case of
But before we get to the doom and gloom of the A’s High-A ball affiliate, let’s enjoy the success of the upper minor league teams.
The River Cats have the best record of any of the A’s affiliates and they’ve accomplished this without a great deal of top-o’-the-line prospects. Sure, they had Mazzaro for a while but they promoted him up to
Eric Patterson has been the offensive catalyst for
Gio Gonzalez is on an impressive streak, going 3-0 over his last 5 starts while giving up 1 ER (a 0.30 ERA) 13 hits, 13 walks and striking out 38 over 30.1 IP. Does this mean that Gio has finally turned the corner and is ready to take on big league hitters? Probably not, but it’s still a nice run.
Looking at the River Cats roster, it seems as if the one constant amidst all the turnover has been the consistent and often times stellar relief pitching. Jeff Gray, Jay Marshall and Brad Kilby have done the bulk of the heavy lifting but recent contributions by Ryan Webb and Henry Rodriguez have been critical to the River Cats continued success.
On the "no news is good news" front, 1B/RF Sean Doolittle should be returning to action sometime within the next 2 weeks.
Travis Buck is raking to the tune of 15-37 with 6 doubles and a home run, plus a 7/7 BB/K rate. (That’s a 1.127 OPS for anyone interested.) As much as it pains me to say it, I don’t want to see Buck back in
The RockHounds have a few quality prospects in their line-up, but mercy me their pitching is atrocious.
Corey Brown is still hurt, although not enough to end up on the DL.
Adrian Cardenas is in the process of transitioning to 3B, the move seems to be affecting his bat in a negative way… he’s hitting 125/245/150 when he plays the hot corner. I’m sure the 3B-itis is just a phase but I am worried that his slugging has dropped from .590 in April to .395 in June.
Chris Carter continues to hit the ball really hard in route to a 296/402/496 line.
Graham Godfrey has emerged as the Ace of the staff. He’s 6-2 since April, with a sub-3.00 ERA.
Sam Demel is looking for a chance to skip to Sac’s bullpen. In the meantime his 0.61 ERA and 11 Saves make him sexy trade bait.
Stockton Ports (25-45; Worst freakin’ record in the
Jemile Weeks is the one true bright spot in the Ports line-up and just this week he proved that he belongs on the Oakland roster… not in the line-up, but on the roster. Specifically, the DL.
If I had to find something completely positive to talk about, I’d point to LHRP Lance Sewell’s 17 K’s in the last 10 innings. Another almost positive would be Tyson Ross’s last 3 starts, in which he’s managed to go at least 5 IP each time.
The Cougars have a lot of talent to talk about, both in the line-up and on the mound.
Grant Desme has a 906 OPS in June but needs to work on controlling the strike zone more.
Jason Christian is hitting 300/371/525 in June.
Jeremy Barfield and Dusty Coleman have cooled off considerably and need to make adjustments to what the Midwest League is throwing their way now,
Anthony Capra has a nice ERA and K/9, but he’s got to get the free passes under control. 14 walks in his last 21 IP is a problem.
Pedro Figueroa and Kenny Smalley also need to tighten up their command of the strike zone, although both have made some recent progress in this area.
Mickey Storey has no such problem, as his 23:1 K:BB suggests. Storey is ready for a new challenge.
The names you know are Nino Leyja and Rashun Dixon. Last year they played SS and CF (respectively) in the AZL, this year they’ve started the season at 2B and LF/RF. Leyja is going to share time at SS with Leonardo Gil.
OK, I exaggerate.
Slightly.
And I have absolutely no objective reason for saying this, but keep an eye on P Ricardo Penalba.
AZL A’s (1-0; Undefeated, baby!)
The babiest A’s are built by a combination of 2009 draft picks, and campers from the 2008 and 2009 Dominican Summer League teams. I’ll let you know how things shake out once they have their roster set. I’m not kidding, the pitcher who got the win last night (Rony Acevedo) wasn’t on the roster yesterday afternoon.
So there you have it. Enjoy.
9 recs | 84 comments
Another nice one grover!
kaweahkaweah - June 23, 2009
great report, thanks!
what’s wrong with Weeks now?
OaklandSi - June 23, 2009
Think it's his hammy again
grover - June 23, 2009
Yeah
He ran through first and pulled up limping. It wasn’t supposed to be as serious as last year as he was supposed to return to the lineup last game. But he didn’t. So……
If he’s not in the lineup tonight it may be time to start worrying.
vignette17 - June 23, 2009
These are the baby A's
You should already be worried!
grover - June 23, 2009
The Ports might have been thinking
that with the team off for the next three days, there really was no point in playing. The All-star break allows Weeks to get extra time off.
Trying to look on the bright side, feels a little better even if I’m only convincing myself.
asyouwish33 - June 23, 2009
scout mentions
that he tweaked his foot and the A’s decided to give him the two days off prior to the break for extra rest. Isn’t thought to a huge deal
asyouwish33 - June 23, 2009
Sweet
Great news
hero66 - June 23, 2009
Weeks looked good
In a game @ San Jose a few weeks back. Spraying line drives. He was hitting the ball hard.
Brillz - June 23, 2009
Jemile Weeks extended his hitting streak to 19 games
as he beat out an infield grounder up the middle. Weeks appeared to have injured himself after landing on the first-base bag, but said, “I’m not injured. I just felt something in my foot.”
Jessse - June 24, 2009
Nice work - I was wondering about House
His name hadn’t come up in a while. I was wondering if that’s why Dixon was in LF. That’s a good reason, though I’d like to see him eventually transition back to CF eventually.
Between House, Dixon & Barfield, we have some high-upside OF’s in the low minors, and that’s not counting Desme, whose clock is ticking at A-. We’ll see Carter & Doolittle (and hopefully Brown) a lot sooner, but when’s the last time our system was chock full o’ so many OF’s with such potential. Eat your heart out, Javier Herrara.
RyanFromBonas - June 23, 2009
PS - wish we could edit posts
when one looks back to see he used the word eventually 2x in a sentence. Whatever, back to “work” here…
RyanFromBonas - June 23, 2009
no problem
my brain completely ignored the the second “eventually”.
jakarta - June 23, 2009
(wink)
jakarta - June 23, 2009
I eventuallly would have realized he wrote eventually twice.
theblackpearl - June 23, 2009
Dixon & Leyja
Both players are only 18 years old.
Dixon – 8/27/1990
Leyja – 10/02/1990
Are they the youngest guys in the Northwest League?
Any updates on 2009 Draft – Signed Players – Negotiations w/ Green / Marks / Stassi / Krol / Dyson / Leyland / Aliotti?
Colorado Fan - June 23, 2009
You want me to look at 8 different rosters to figure out if Dixon and Leyja are the youngest players in the league...
Plus you want an update on negotiations with the aforementioned draftees.
All without a giving me a rec’d 1st?
grover - June 23, 2009
BTW, recs on the front page are irrelevant.
Not to be confused with “unrelevant” or “ill elephant.”
Nico - June 23, 2009
They stoke my ego
Not to be confused with “smoke my eggo”.
grover - June 23, 2009
Leave my goddamn waffles out of this, sir.
mikev - June 23, 2009
I thought you were eating cake?
Gaijin_Suketto - June 23, 2009
If that's a sideways reference to pamcakes, I'm not playing that game mister.
:-D
mikev - June 23, 2009
smoke and a pancake?
Leopold Bloom - June 23, 2009
Cigar and a waffle?
hero66 - June 23, 2009
Roll a blintz?
grover - June 23, 2009
I think bong goes with blintz
CarGon's Jock - June 23, 2009
I did not think this was about Chavey
adragon - June 23, 2009
For the record, Arizona's Matt Davidson is the youngest player in the league
Taken 35th overall in the 2009 draft, DOB = 3/26/1991
grover - June 23, 2009
Wow
Professional baseball players were born in years I can remember pretty well. Like, I’m-off-to-high-school-soon remember.
mk - June 23, 2009
You rec'd, I'll share my info on the draftees
The magic number I’ve heard for Green is $3-3.5 million, Stassi is going to cost $1.5-2 million. Basically, $5 million to land both. The A’s like Krol and don’t consider his high school stupidity to be anything other than… well, typical teenage stupidity. I’m guessing he’s looking for high 3rd round money ($450K-ish). Dyson has the health issues and a lot of leverage as a sophmore… he’s going to be a lot like Brett Hunter was last year. (Hunter wanted $2 million but signed in August for $1.1 million.) I’m not sure if Dyson is looking for the same kind of money as Hunter got but my guess is the A’s won’t be willing to pay more than $1 million ‘cause of the injury concerns. The real eye opener for me was Leyland. It seems the A’s feel very comfortable about being able to reach an agreement with him.
grover - June 23, 2009
What exactly was Krol's "stupidity"?
I’ve seen a lot of vague references like that, and I think one mentioned alcohol, but I really have no idea what his transgression actually was. Do you?
Faust - June 23, 2009
Supposedly
He was in a car (though he was not driving) with a drunk driver. He got caught and suspended. That’s about all I heard.
vignette17 - June 23, 2009
Yep
That’s the version I heard.
grover - June 23, 2009
He did something else before
It wasn’t the first time he was caught violating the team’s rules, though I couldn’t find out what it was that he did.
NateHST - June 23, 2009
clown murders.
Leopold Bloom - June 23, 2009
That doesn't violate team rules
grover - June 23, 2009
Speaking of which ...
has it come up on here that Omar waived Bob Keilty from my hometown AAA Buffalo Bisons (a day after cutting Wily Mo Money Mo Pena)?
RyanFromBonas - June 23, 2009
Sony pulls plug on 'Moneyball' movie
LOS ANGELES — Brad Pitt and Steven Soderbergh’s baseball tale “Moneyball” has been benched just days before the start of shooting.
Sony pulled the plug late last week after Soderbergh turned in a rewritten script substantially different than an earlier draft by screenwriter Steven Zaillian.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4278999
Colorado Fan - June 23, 2009
Everidge
What is up with Tommy Everidge? He’s a right handed corner who is currently hitting .347 in Sac?
fonz - June 23, 2009
I saw that guy hit a couple days ago.
I had no idea who he was as I can’t recall his name ever crossing AN as a legit prospect. Dude’s a little more than slightly porky, but he can damn sure hit a baseball.
alox - June 23, 2009
Everidge has raked in the RBI the last three years
He has had very good production with RISP for several years now. I understand that most people/analysis concludes that a continued talent for hitting better in clutch situations is not sustainable, but most analysis has looked at those who already passed enough muster to make it in the minor leagues, and so I wonder whether it might be indicative of something in the minors…
jakarta - June 23, 2009
According the Chron today, E. Gonzalez might make Wed's start
if he’s not needed in relief tonight. The fact that the A’s would pass on Gio in favor of Edgar, as well as Gio is pitching right now, is odd.
The A’s must feel that the control still isn’t really there; his last start was great but wasn’t it the start before that Gio had a ton of Ks and also a ton of BBs? Still, when 1 ER in 30 IP can’t get you a spot start over Edgar Gonzalez, that has to irk Gio just a tad.
Nico - June 23, 2009
Here's a plausible (to me) scenario
Gio has been up and down a couple of times already this year. It’s very likely he was feeling a lot of pressure to get back to the majors when he was at Sacto, and to stay when he was in Oakland. Maybe he was pressing — he’s had problems maintaining focus and command all throughout his career — and it was affecting his pitching. Jumping back and forth has to be pretty disruptive.
So, imagine someone from the front office saying to Gio, “Look, we know you have as much talent as any of the guys in the A’s rotation now, and we know how much you want to get back to Oakland. But you’re pressing, and you’re not letting your talent come through. And some of that is because our moving you up and down a few times has disrupted your routine. So here’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to call you up in July. It might be the bullpen, it might be the rotation, depending on what’s happening with the staff, but you’ll be up. Until then, unless we get a rash of injuries all at once, you’re going to pitch in Sacramento. So don’t worry about when you’re getting called up, or worry that walking 2 guys in the 5th inning against Colorado Springs is going to cost you a chance to start your next game in the majors. Just focus on your pitching, throw strikes, and the rest will take care of itself.”
Gio’s long-term development is a lot more important than who makes that start tomorrow. I’m assuming there’s some communication here, because if Gio pitches like he has and no one talks to him about why he’s not getting the call-up, that’s a big mistake, and like you say it should irk Gio just a tad. But it’s possible that the reason he’s found his groove is that the A’s have told him the up-and-down stuff if going to stop.
Nick - June 23, 2009
That would make total sense, as would telling Gio
“When you have 4 starts in a row where you show good command, we’ll feel you’re ready.” And that hasn’t happened yet.
What I wonder about is that this is the same Gio who grumbled, “Whatever Bob wants, Bob gets” when he was sent to Sacramento, and I’m pretty sure I saw a skeleton of Brad Halsey hanging in Gio’s locker.
But in fact, I don’t believe he’s being “politicked” right now, whereas I do believe Gallagher was in April. With Gio, he really does struggle with consistent command and a short stretch of success in AAA doesn’t suggest he’s ready. My guess, and hope, is that the AAA coaches are simply reporting that Gio still has some work to do.
Nico - June 23, 2009
"Whatever Bob wants, Bob gets"
Did Gio really say that? That’s not good.
So, what do we have to do to get Geren to want a good leadoff hitter?
Nick - June 23, 2009
Yeah, he really did say that.
Hmm…Maybe we need to convince Geren to be you or me.
Nico - June 23, 2009
I never saw that as bad
Maybe I read it wrong, but I read the quote as saying management tells him what to do and where to go.
And frankly, if it was a dig, keeping him down because of it is petty and no way to run a railroad.
Future Ed - June 23, 2009
I was thinking a complete 3rd baseman but I see your point
adragon - June 23, 2009
It depends on how he said it, which we don't know
If he’s saying it light-heartedly, that’s one thing. If he’s grumbling, that’s another.
As good as the numbers are in his last few starts in Sacramento, there is still the matter of consistency and plate command. I wouldn’t bring him up because of four or five starts, but if he goes 2-3 months dominating then I’d say that’s more of a sign of his growth.
He’s averaging right about 6 IP a start over his last five outings and basically a combination of 4-7 H+BB per with around 7-8 K per. Of more importance is his strike percentage:
5/29: 57.4% (62-108)
6/3: 57.0% (57-100)
6/8: 52.1% (49-94)
6/13: 63.9% (62-97)
6/18: 64.1% (66-103)
Even during this streak he’s on, only the last two games are really close to the 65% they want him at. That’s going to be as big a reason as any why he’s staying in Sacramento for now.
Flashfire - June 23, 2009
And in his last start
Even with the high percentage of strikes and the low number of baserunners, it still took him 103 pitches to go 5 1/3 innings. Looks like more than 4.5 pitches per batter. I imagine people were fouling off a fair number, and of course it takes at least 3 pitches for a strikeout, of which he got plenty.
Terrific performance, but it presents something of a problem in handling him. He’s too young to allow him Zitoesque pitch counts, but he as it is he could strain the bullpen even on his good days.
Faust - June 23, 2009
Booo logic!!!
I’m going to Wednesday’s game, and I can certainly tell you which Gonzales I’d rather be watching.
cityplANner - June 23, 2009
true that...
MMunoz33 - June 23, 2009
A's announce starter
its Gonzales.
First name TBD
Future Ed - June 23, 2009
I don't know what the hell Rick Hurd, heard, but he said Gio is pitching TONIGHT
Sure looks like Gio Gonzalez will be throwing (emphasis on "throw") tonight for the A’s. Whoop-de-du!!
http://www.ibabuzz.com/chinmusic/2009/06/23/couple-of-quick-thoughts/#more-1774
theblackpearl - June 23, 2009
Wow, sounds like Hurd needs a good laxative
doctorK - June 23, 2009
Also,
a brain.
travdog6 - June 23, 2009
I think he's been spending too much time on AN
CarGon's Jock - June 23, 2009
The blurb says "tomorrow night," doesn't it?
Nico - June 23, 2009
Oh, it actually says "tomorrow tonight"
Which is “tomorrow night” with a typo for good measure.
Nico - June 23, 2009
sounds very sensible
however, the A’s website has Gio as the probable pitcher for Wednesday
OaklandSi - June 23, 2009
Dominican Team
Grover,
Do you know where the dominican team is located? I’ll be there in july, might need to check them out
KCB58 - June 23, 2009
My Spanish sucks
Santo Domingo?
Here’s a link.
grover - June 23, 2009
thanks
KCB58 - June 23, 2009
de nadda!
Nico - June 23, 2009
my Spanish is great
the Juan Marichal Academy is indeed located in Santo Domingo.
OaklandSi - June 23, 2009
Any Gallagher updates???
I wonder why Barton didn’t start yesterday in favor of Hannahan and Crosby?
I would keep Bobby at 3B and have Hannahan come in for late innings defense…
MMunoz33 - June 23, 2009
Gallagher has a bad knee
grover - June 23, 2009
lefty?
Future Ed - June 23, 2009
thanks...
MMunoz33 - June 23, 2009
Can’t we just leave Cardenas alone?
Rated-R Superstar - June 23, 2009
loved the title
carp - June 23, 2009
I think that's what people will walk out saying if the "Moneyball" movie ever gets made
Nico - June 23, 2009
Thanks
I have my moments
grover - June 23, 2009
grover, you are the best . . . . .
at the minor league updates as well as a few other things, I’m sure.
Thanks for another cool post.
bvank - June 23, 2009
You're welcome
grover - June 23, 2009
Why is Demel trade bait?
With Springer and Casilla sucking, he could be a very useful piece in the bullpen down the stretch if the A’s ever get their shit together and get back into the race. If not, I still don’t know why we’d get rid of the guy.
NateHST - June 23, 2009
A better question would be
Why is he still in AA?
hero66 - June 23, 2009
Demel up to AAA this morning
Rockhounds radio announcer said he won’t pitch until Thursday. Steven Sharpe going to Midland to replace Demel.
redtopcowboy - June 24, 2009
Cobb suspended 50 games
http://www.insidebayarea.com/athletics/ci_12670371?source=rss
Doesn’t look like it was doing much good
asyouwish33 - June 23, 2009
FDLS
Supposed to pitch for ARL July 4th.
Syphon - June 23, 2009
Happy 4th of July!
Pucking Insane - June 23, 2009
Buck
needs to be called up immediately and start in right field every day until he gets injured again. this is flat out, wholesale batshit insane. unless there’s a trade in the works…
sleepingcobra - June 23, 2009
Hey Grover
Just wanted to throw a “thank you” for your insight. I look forward to your posts and they never disappoint. Sure wish you had some better news in regards to Dusty Coleman because the SS of the future looks rather iffy at this point.
ohtobe21likehuston - June 23, 2009
Yeah, good job, grover!
worldblee - June 23, 2009
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